The 33-year-old last played for New Zealand in 2018 and debuted for his adopted country in the home T20 series against Canada last month
sports21 hours ago
Barcelona winger Raphinha secured a hard-fought 1-0 win in La Liga for the second straight week this time at Athletic Bilbao as his side tightened their grip on top spot ahead of a potentially season-defining week in which they host second-placed Real Madrid.
"It's the same thing once again. We have to play and attack better," coach Barca Xavi Hernandez told DAZN.
"We went 1-0 in a difficult stadium and end up suffering. It is a golden victory, but we keep thinking about improving offensively."
Raphinha netted a thunderous strike right on halftime after a brilliant pass by midfielder Sergio Busquets who spotted the Brazilian ghosting behind the defence.
But Raphinha's goal was one of only two Barca shots on target in the match as they survived a frantic affair in which the hosts were the better side for large parts of the contest.
Athletic saw two shots hit the bar and an Inaki Williams effort in the last few minutes of the game ruled out for a controversial handball in the build-up.
Barcelona have 65 points, nine clear of second-placed Real who face a must-win game at Camp Nou next Sunday to keep their slim chances of retaining the title alive. Athletic are ninth on 33 points.
ALSO READ:
The 33-year-old last played for New Zealand in 2018 and debuted for his adopted country in the home T20 series against Canada last month
sports21 hours ago
The Cameroonian is the first ever refugee boxer in the team's short history to have qualified for the Games purely through her ability
sports22 hours ago
The Bedfordshire-based Hatters remain in the Premier League's relegation zone after Friday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road
sports23 hours ago
The Dutch ace beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take pole position for the sprint race
sports23 hours ago
Mumbai Indians suffered a 24-run defeat to be eliminated from playoffs contention
sports1 day ago
Ireland defeated Netherlands to top group stage and earn a slot against Scotland
sports1 day ago
The former security guard set for international debut after famously taking the wicket of Steve Smith with his first ball in Test cricket in January
sports1 day ago
The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon last year, turns 21 on Sunday
sports1 day ago